Both Gusto and OnPay start at the same price, handle payroll in all 50 states and file taxes automatically. So why does this comparison even matter? Because they work differently above the baseline. Gusto is a tiered platform — more HR features, more integrations and more automation, but locked behind higher-cost plans. OnPay has one plan, everything included, no upsells and no surprises. Consequently, the right choice depends on whether you need room to grow or just want straightforward payroll at a predictable price.
📌 Gusto vs OnPay — Quick Verdict
OnPay wins on price and simplicity — one flat plan, all features included, no tiers and a 97% customer support satisfaction rate. Gusto wins on HR depth and scalability — benefits enrollment, time tracking, workforce analytics and a broader integration ecosystem. If budget and simplicity are the priority, OnPay is the better pick. If your business is growing and you need more HR tooling as you scale, Gusto is worth the extra cost.
✅ Choose Gusto if…
You want HR depth beyond payroll · Benefits enrollment matters · Planning to scale · Need built-in time tracking and workforce analytics
✅ Choose OnPay if…
One flat price is the priority · All features without upsells · Top-rated support · Operating in a niche industry (farms, nonprofits, restaurants)
Loreto Barrionuevo's Take — The Real Gusto vs OnPay Answer
This is one of the closest comparisons in the payroll category. Specifically, the honest answer depends on where you are in your business lifecycle. Specifically, for teams under 15 employees that want reliable payroll without complexity, OnPay is the smarter choice. One price, everything included, support that actually answers the phone. It is particularly strong for niche industries — farms, churches, restaurants and nonprofits all get specialised handling that most payroll platforms ignore.
However, if your business is growing and you anticipate needing benefits or workforce analytics, Gusto's tiered structure becomes an asset. Specifically, the Plus plan at $80/month adds multi-state payroll, next-day direct deposit and time tracking. These features would otherwise require separate subscriptions. Notably, the price gap between Gusto Simple and OnPay at the base level is identical: both cost $49/month plus $6 per employee. Consequently, the decision comes down to what you need above the baseline — not the base price itself.
Gusto vs OnPay — Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Gusto | OnPay | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Growing SMBs needing HR + payroll together | Small businesses wanting simple, all-inclusive payroll | Depends on growth stage |
| Pricing model | Tiered: Simple $49 · Plus $80 · Premium custom | Flat: $40/mo + $6/ee — everything included | OnPay ✅ |
| Multi-state payroll | Plus plan required (+$80/mo base) | Included on the single plan | OnPay ✅ |
| Ease of use | Modern UI · G2 4.6/5 from 8,000+ reviews | G2 4.8/5 · simpler interface · fewer clicks | OnPay ✅ |
| HR features | Onboarding, PTO, handbooks, HR pros (Premium) | PTO, org charts, HR workflows, compliance audits | Gusto ✅ |
| Benefits admin | 3,500+ health plans · 401(k) · HSA/FSA · Gusto Wallet | Health in all 50 states · 401(k) · workers comp | Gusto ✅ |
| Time tracking | Built-in on Plus and Premium plans | Not native · QuickBooks Time + When I Work only | Gusto ✅ |
| Direct deposit | Same-day · next-day · 2-day options | 4-day standard (fastest available) | Gusto ✅ |
| Customer support | 84% satisfaction · slower on lower tiers | 97% satisfaction · phone/email/chat + weekend email | OnPay ✅ |
| Integrations | 130+ including Xero, QuickBooks, Shopify | QuickBooks, Xero + select time-tracking tools | Gusto ✅ |
| Niche industries | Standard coverage across industries | Farms, nonprofits, restaurants, H2-A visas, churches | OnPay ✅ |
| Free trial | ❌ No free trial | ✅ Free trial available | OnPay ✅ |
Key Differences — What Actually Matters
Pricing Model
This is where the comparison gets interesting. At the base level, both platforms cost the same — $49/month plus $6 per employee. However, what is included at that price differs significantly. Specifically, OnPay's single plan includes multi-state payroll, PTO tracking, compliance audits, HR workflows and full customer support at no extra charge. Gusto's Simple plan covers basic payroll and benefits. However, time tracking, next-day direct deposit and multi-state payroll all require the Plus plan at $80/month plus $12 per employee. Consequently, for a 20-person company needing those features, OnPay can be up to $200/month cheaper than Gusto Plus.
HR Features
Gusto leads here — but the depth depends on the plan. Specifically, Gusto Simple includes onboarding, offer letters and e-signatures. Plus adds time tracking, workforce reports and advanced permissions. Premium adds certified HR professionals and a dedicated support line. OnPay, by contrast, includes custom HR workflows, compliance audits and PTO management on its single plan. Notably, OnPay also offers health insurance in all 50 states — Gusto's health coverage is limited to 37 states and Washington D.C. Consequently, for businesses in states where Gusto does not offer health benefits, OnPay is the only viable choice between the two.
Ease of Use
Both platforms are genuinely easy to use — no payroll training required. However, OnPay edges ahead on simplicity. Specifically, it scores 4.8/5 on G2 versus Gusto's 4.6/5. Reviewers consistently describe it as the faster, less cluttered option for day-to-day payroll. Gusto's interface is more modern and feature-rich, but that richness can create friction for teams that just want to run payroll quickly. Additionally, OnPay offers a free trial — Gusto does not — which makes it easier to evaluate before committing.
Automation
Gusto leads on automation, particularly on higher-tier plans. Specifically, autopilot payroll on Gusto covers both salaried and hourly employees — payroll runs automatically every pay period without manual action. Furthermore, Gusto connects with 130+ third-party apps to automate data flow across time tracking, accounting and HR tools. OnPay automates tax filing and payroll calculations reliably, but does not offer native autopilot payroll or built-in time tracking. Additionally, its integration ecosystem is smaller — focused on QuickBooks, Xero and a few time-tracking tools.
Customer Support
OnPay wins this category clearly. Specifically, 97% of OnPay customers rate their support experience positively — versus 84% for Gusto. Furthermore, OnPay includes personalised onboarding and priority support at no additional cost. Phone, email and chat are available on weekdays, plus emergency email on weekends. Gusto's support is solid on higher-tier plans, but users on the Simple plan consistently report slower response times, particularly during year-end tax season. Notably, dedicated onboarding support from Gusto requires a team of more than 10 employees.
Pros and Cons
✅ Gusto — Pros
- Specifically, tiered plans that scale with your business
- Furthermore, built-in time tracking on Plus and Premium plans
- 3,500+ health plans · 401(k) · HSA/FSA · Gusto Wallet
- Notably, same-day and next-day direct deposit options are available
- Additionally, 130+ integrations including Shopify, Xero and QuickBooks
- Additionally, certified HR professionals on Premium plan
- Consequently, autopilot payroll covers both salaried and hourly workers
❌ Gusto — Cons
- However, multi-state payroll requires the Plus plan ($80/mo)
- Time tracking only on Plus and Premium
- Notably, health insurance is limited to 37 states and D.C.
- Furthermore, support satisfaction is lower on the Simple plan (84%)
- Notably, no free trial available
- Consequently, costs escalate significantly when upgrading plan tiers
✅ OnPay — Pros
- Overall, one flat plan — everything included, no upsells
- Specifically, multi-state payroll included at the base price
- Notably, health insurance is available in all 50 states
- 97% customer support satisfaction rate
- Specifically, niche industry support — farms, nonprofits, restaurants, churches
- Furthermore, a free trial is available — evaluate before committing
- Additionally, weekend emergency email support is included at no extra cost
❌ OnPay — Cons
- However, no native time tracking — relies on third-party tools
- However, direct deposit maxes out at 4 days — no same-day or next-day option
- Consequently, the single plan means no upgrade path as your HR needs grow
- Furthermore, fewer integrations — limited ecosystem beyond accounting tools
- Additionally, no international contractor payment support
- Notably, analytics and workforce reporting are basic compared to Gusto
Pricing — The Real Numbers
| Item | Gusto | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| Base plan | Simple: $49/mo + $6/ee | Single plan: $49/mo + $6/ee |
| Mid-tier | Plus: $80/mo + $12/ee | No tiers — same plan for everyone |
| Top tier | Premium: $180/mo + $22/ee | N/A |
| Multi-state | Plus plan required | ✅ Included |
| Time tracking | Plus/Premium only | Third-party only (no native) |
| Benefits admin | Free add-on all plans | Free add-on included |
| 10-person team (base) | $109/mo | $100/mo |
| 20-person team (multi-state) | ~$320/mo (Plus) | ~$160/mo |
| Free trial | ❌ | ✅ |
For a complete breakdown of every Gusto plan and add-on, see our Gusto payroll pricing guide →
Which Should You Choose? — The Direct Answer
✅ Choose Gusto if…
- Specifically, you want payroll, HR and benefits managed in one platform
- Furthermore, your business is growing and you need advanced HR tools within 12 months
- Notably, same-day or next-day direct deposit is important for your cash flow
- Additionally, built-in time tracking without a third-party integration is preferred
- Additionally, you want a broad integration ecosystem connecting payroll to your other tools
✅ Choose OnPay if…
- Specifically, one transparent price with no upgrade pressure is the priority
- Specifically, your team operates in multiple states and multi-state is needed at base price
- Furthermore, you run a farm, nonprofit, restaurant or church — OnPay handles niche requirements others miss
- Additionally, top-rated customer support with a real human matters more than extra features
- Additionally, you want to try before committing — OnPay offers a free trial, Gusto does not
❌ Avoid Gusto if…
- Specifically, your budget is fixed and you cannot absorb cost increases as features are added
- Furthermore, multi-state payroll is needed now — upgrading to Plus nearly doubles the base cost
- Additionally, health benefits outside the 37 states Gusto covers are required
❌ Avoid OnPay if…
- Specifically, same-day or next-day direct deposit is non-negotiable — OnPay maxes out at 4 days
- Furthermore, built-in time tracking is required without a third-party subscription
- Additionally, your business will need scalable HR tiers as it grows beyond 50 employees
Neither feels quite right? See our small business payroll guide — Patriot, Rippling and QuickBooks may fit better depending on your accounting setup and growth plans. According to IRS guidance, automated state and local tax filing is the most critical compliance feature. Verify your chosen platform covers all states and localities.
Frequently Asked Questions — Gusto vs OnPay
Is Gusto better than OnPay?
Gusto is better for businesses that need scalable HR features — benefits administration, time tracking, workforce analytics and a broad integration ecosystem. However, OnPay is better for businesses that want everything included at one flat price, particularly those needing multi-state payroll, niche industry support or top-rated customer service without paying for premium tiers. Neither is universally superior — the right choice depends on your headcount, growth plans and how much HR depth you need. See our best payroll software guide for a broader comparison.
Which is cheaper — Gusto or OnPay?
At the entry level, OnPay is slightly cheaper: $40/month plus $6 per employee versus Gusto's $49/month plus $6. However, the more important comparison is total cost at your actual feature needs. Specifically, OnPay includes multi-state payroll at the base price. By contrast, Gusto charges $80/month plus $12 per employee for that on the Plus plan. Consequently, for a 20-person team needing multi-state payroll, OnPay can be up to $200/month cheaper. See our small business payroll comparison for more affordable alternatives.
Is OnPay good for small business?
Yes — OnPay is specifically designed for small businesses. Specifically, its single flat-rate plan eliminates the confusion of tiered pricing and includes every feature at one predictable cost. It is particularly strong for small businesses in niche industries — farms, nonprofits, restaurants and churches all get specialised payroll handling. Furthermore, OnPay's 97% customer support satisfaction rate is the highest in its category. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, most US small businesses have under 20 employees. That is exactly the segment where OnPay delivers the best value.
Does Gusto include HR features?
Yes — and the depth varies by plan. Specifically, all Gusto plans include onboarding workflows, offer letters, e-signatures and PTO management. The Plus plan adds time tracking, advanced workforce reports and multi-state payroll. Premium adds certified HR advisors and a dedicated support line. Additionally, benefits administration for health, dental, vision, 401(k) and HSA/FSA is available as a free add-on across all plans. For a comparison of Gusto against a platform with stronger HR automation, see our Gusto vs Rippling comparison.
Sources: Gusto · OnPay · G2 · Capterra · PayrollRated · Business.org · RecruitCompare · Bureau of Labor Statistics · IRS · Updated April 2026
